R. Kelly’s Estranged Daughter Calls Her Father a ‘Monster’

R. Kelly‘s daughter Buku Abi is breaking her silence on the allegations surrounding her estranged father.

On Thursday, Abi — whose real name is Joann Kelly — posted a lengthy message on her Instagram Stories, condemning her “terrible” father, who she said she hasn’t seen in years, for his actions and explained why it took her so long to speak out.

Kelly, 52, has recently come under intense scrutiny in the wake of the Lifetime docuseries, Surviving R. Kelly, that features interviews with women who claim that for decades the hit-making singer and producer used his power and influence to sexually and physically abuse women and young girls.

“Before I start I just want it to be known that I am speaking from the heart, nothing I say or do not say is to hurt ANY party reading this or affected by this,” Buku began her post.

“To the people that feel I should be speaking up/against everything that is going on right now. I just want you all to understand that devastated is an understatement for all that I feel currently,” she wrote. “I do apologize if my silence to all that is happening comes off as careless.”

“That is my last intention. I pray for all the families & women who have been affected by my father’s actions. Trust, I have been deeply affected by all of this,” she continued.

Buku Abi’s Instagram StoriesBuku Abi/Instagram

From there, the singer-songwriter said that while it’s been “very difficult to process it all” and “gather all the right words to express everything I feel,” she clarified that she has not had a relationship with Kelly for quite some time.

“Anyone that knows me personally or has been following me throughout the years knows that I do not have a relationship with my father,” Buku explained. “Nor do I speak on him or on his behalf. I also am not fond of dealing with my personal issues or personal life through social media but, I feel things are starting to get out of hand.”

In addition to her personal estranged relationship with Kelly, Buku said her family, including her siblings and mother, also hadn’t seen him for years. Their decision to cut him out of their lives came after enduring many challenges “in regards to him, his life decisions and his last name,” she said.

“My mother, siblings and I would never condone, support or be a part of ANYTHING negative he has done and or continues to do in his life,” she added.

Buku Abi’s Instagram StoriesBuku Abi/Instagram

“Going through all I have gone through in my life, I would never want anyone to feel the pain I have felt,” Buku continued in the next post. “Reminders of how terrible my father is, and how we should be speaking up against him, rude comments about my family, fabricating me, my siblings & our mothers ‘part’ etc. Does not help my family (Me, my sister, my brother, and my mother) in our healing process. Nor does it allow a safe space for other victims who are scared to speak up, speak up.”

“The same monster you all confronting me about is my father. I am well aware of who and what he is. I grew up in that house,” she continued.

“I just want everyone to know that I do care and I love you all,” she concluded. “This is a very difficult subject to speak on… again, I apologize if my words don’t come out right..”

In her final note, Buku thanked her family’s supporters for helping “push us through this hard time.”

“This past year for my family has been very difficult, all the love and support you all continue to show is why we keep going. You all fuel us,” she said. “Family, friends, followers, fans, etc… I love you guys to pieces. Your love is appreciated & always will be.”